For about the first 10 minutes of last nights match against Sweden, I felt like I had stepped right back on the roller coaster ride I had barely survived a few nights before. The Swedes came out firing and the U.S. was forced to defend almost exclusively in the opening minutes. Sweden earned four corners in the first four minutes of the match and five in the first 10.
“We did well (to hold off Sweden during the first few minutes). We held our ground when they came at us and we defended a lot more than we wanted to, but I think that the team stayed together and stayed strong,” said defender Christie Rampone who turned in another first rate performance.
Any doubt I had about Ryan’s choice to start Leslie Osborne as defensive mid over Shannon Boxx evaporated early in the match – about the time she boomed that header halfway up the field. That’s also about the time the match started to settle down for the U.S.
Not too long after, Kate Markgraf played what, according to her, was an uncharacteristically long ball over the Swedish defenders. It bounced over the keeper and into the path of Lori Chalupny who had timed her run perfectly. She was taken down near the goal line and earned a penalty kick, which was made by Abby Wambach.
“I saw (Lori Chalupny) holding a run so I just hit it and I kind of surprised myself with how well I hit it. I hit it how far Cat (Whitehill) hits it, and that’s kind of unusual. I think she inspired me to kick the crap out if it.” said Markgraf.
Boxx subbed in for Carli Lloyd at half time and erased any memory of the less than Boxx-like performance she turned in against North Korea. She took command, cleaning up messes all over the field.
Kristine Lilly and Wambach combined for an insurance goal in the 58th minute. Lilly sent in a beautiful ball to Wambach's chest which she settled and half-volleyed past the dumbstruck ‘keeper. It was a world-class strike
Wambach is having a great tournament Not only has she scored three goals, but she has also thoroughly entertained with fancy footwork, not often seen in a player of her size. She’s not the player she was in 2003. She is much, much more.
The U.S. survived Sweden’s attempt to get back into the match as time started to run down. It was another exciting match, but this one was a little bit easier on my blood pressure.
The U.S. goes into Tuesdays match against Nigeria dead even with North Korea. Both have four points and a two goals for goal differential.
What an awesome match last night! If I was less emotionally invested in the outcome, I'm sure I would have really enjoyed it. As it was, I was a nervous wreck! It was an emotional roller coaster.
After the first half, I was faced with the reality the U.S. could lose. I hadn't previously given that serious consideration and I was concerned that my plane fare to Tianjin was non-refundable. The North Koreans were bringing it and the U.S. didn't look like the best team on the field for the first 45.
I hurriedly shot off an email to my esteemed colleague Jen, who was in Shanghai awaiting the start of the England/Japan match. I included this passage:
Hope looks good especially as I am not sure she has ever been challenged like this. The ball is slippery though. I am nervous!
To which she responded today:
Enjoyed your portentous comment about Hope looking good and being tested and how wet it was.......!!!!!! Whoops!
I'm not English, so I don't exactly know what portentous means, but I'm assuming something like prophetic.
The second half started and while the pace was still frantic, it seemed more even and I was feeling better, especially after the goal. I was still on pins and needles, just hoping that they could hold on.
And then Wambach went down and left the field with blood streaming from her head. I was concerned when they didn't immediately replace her. They were having a difficult time containing North Korea with 11 on the field. How could they do it a man down? They couldn't and after the second goal, I was cursing Greg Ryan and our over-dependence on Wambach. In Ryan's defense, he thought the doctors would be able to get her on the field quicker. And, Wambach certainly contributed in the equalization and remaining minutes, so what do I know?
The last 20 minutes are a blur of ups and downs, big saves and near misses. I think my heart rate returned to normal at about noon today. I have mixed feelings about the result - disappointed at the loss, but grateful for a point in a match that could have easily been lost and thrilled to have been present at such an amazing match.
So, I haven't re-booked my flight from Tianjin to Wuhan. Especially after Sweden's result against Nigeria, everything is even and I'm betting on the U.S. to rebound in a big way and take the group.
Image is from Brad J. Smith (ISIPHOTOS.COM)
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